Portsmouth Public Library Partners with Connect Ohio to Offer Computer Training to Area Adults

PORTSMOUTH – Connect Ohio and Portsmouth Public Library have partnered to offer the Every Citizen Online (ECO) free basic computer and Internet training program. Through this collaborative effort, area adults are learning how to connect in ways many of us take for granted. Participants of the program are also eligible to take advantage of discounted Internet service and computer purchases.

ECO training includes coursework on computer basics, an introduction to the Internet and e-mail, and illustrates how broadband can be helpful in daily life. After completion of the 6 training hours, participants are eligible to receive discounts toward computer purchases (starting at $182) from partner companies supporting the ECO broadband training initiative.

“We have trained more than 270 people so far through this program,” said Becky Schultz, technology coordinator at Portsmouth Public Library. “Many have continued taking other computer classes here at the library, and we also have helped people who were struggling in their jobs because they couldn’t use computers. One student was able to start an online business after completing the training. We have collaborated with several other local organizations to offer classes to their clients, and have had agencies send staff to us for training.”

Participants completing the training from March through June will also be entered into a monthly drawing to win a Lexmark printer from Connect Ohio, valued at nearly $100 each. Participants can obtain additional entries for the drawing by referring friends to attend and complete the training. Printers were distributed among the ECO partner organizations and were donated to Connect Ohio by Lexmark. (Read more about printer distribution on our blog).